Cutting the ribbon to open the refurbished Uralla Visitor Information Centre last Friday, Uralla Shire Councillors Bob Crouch, left, Tara Toomey, Tom O’Connor, Natasha Ledger, Mayor Michael Pearce, Robert Bell, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, local Anaiwan Elder Uncle Les Townsend and Deputy Mayor Isabel Strutt.
Monday, 7 June 2021
A NEW-LOOK gateway to Uralla is set to encourage travelers to stop, stay and spend in the historic town, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall joining Uralla Shire Mayor Michael Pearce last Friday to officially open the $500,000 redevelopment of the Visitor Information Centre.
Last year, Mr Marshall announced $370,000 in State Government funding for the improvements, with the remaining $130,000 funded by the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Extension Program.
Mr Marshall said the redevelopment had delivered a welcoming space for travelers to park-up and explore local businesses and sites.
“Located strategically just off the intersection of the New England Highway and Thunderbolts Way, the Uralla Visitor Information Centre is the symbolic gateway to the shire’s rich heritage,” Mr Marshall said.
“The refurbishment has been done in a way that showcases the region’s local history, Aboriginal culture and vibrant business community.
“Inside the building walls have been removed to create an open space where tourism displays and business promotions can be prominently established.
“A new garden area has been added at the building’s rear, in the existing grassed area in front of the library. This space includes a small waterfall, native ground covers, shrubs and small trees.
“The garden also has a ‘bush tucker’ component in recognition of traditional food sources utilised by the local Aboriginal community.
“Access to the centre has also been improved, with upgraded disabled car parking and additional footpaths.
“This is an exciting development, which I think will greatly increase the number of people pulling into the visitor centre and making the most of Uralla’s hospitality.”
Uralla Shire Mayor Michael Pearce said the ‘VIC’ had long been a popular place for travellers to stop.
“Thanks to Federal and State Government funding, the Improvement Project has really taken the Visitor Information Centre to the next level,” Cr Pearce said.
“It’s attractive, it’s roomy, it offers visitors a comfortable and well-equipped space to soak up all the information they need to embark on a holiday in our wonderful Shire.”
General Manager Kate Jessep said the drought put a lot of pressure on local businesses.
“We hope that the warm welcome the improved VIC offers will encourage people to stay a little longer, spend more time exploring our network of villages and towns and support our local businesses with their custom,“ Ms Jessep said.
“From the new audio-visual equipment to display our videos and interactive map, to the pergola and gardens, we offer a memorable experience that our visitors can share with their friends and family so they want to visit again and encourage others to come and enjoy what’s on offer in the Uralla Shire.”
“We’re really looking forward to the re-opening and invite our local community to come for the launch and tour.”